RUGBY: HBRFU put on good show bettered only by Magpies

THE GAME they play in Heaven' is the title of a rugby book written by Aussie front rower and lawyer Steve Finnane, which in many ways sums up the ethos of this weekend's 125th celebrations of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union (NZRFU).
These days the mind may make appointments the body can't keep, but Iike all the ex-player participants, I deem myself fortunate. firstly to be involved in the celebrations, to be part of a game that gave me so much enjoyment in the amateur era, and to play for a province with such a rich rugby history.
Thanks to the HBRFU for their hospitality and organisation of the weekend.
The match is probably best summed up by the fact the Magpies gained five points for the win, and now lie third on the points' table.
Manawatu however, came to "rain on our parade" - they were determined to win, and rattled the Magpies with two early tries, racing to a 14-3 lead after some sloppy defence by the Bay.
To their credit, the Magpies responded with two very good tries to Zac Guildford after good preliminary work, for him then to finish off with his exceptional pace. This not only brought the Bay back into the game but enabled them to finish at halftime 18-14 up with two Matt Berquist penalties.
The second half in a way was a repetition of the first, and, astonishingly, the lead changed seven times in the game, which kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Lack of accuracy at key times cost the Magpies dearly in this game, as they butchered a number of good opportunities to score by running too far before unloading, or throwing sloppy passes, or just through lack of concentration took the wrong option. It was however a typical local Derby and yet again shows what an excellent competition the NPC is.
No 8, Thomas Waldrom was at his energetic best for the Magpies, and thoroughly deserved his player of the day award, by virtually being in everything, making strong runs, backing up and covering the high kicks through and making some crucial tackles on defence.
Sona Taumalolo, in his 50th match had another good game, scoring a crucial try as he had done so in his first match.
To use another Yogi Berra aphorism, "the game ain't over until its over", - the bonus point and winning of the match, was achieved when ever reliable Jason Shoemark made the break from which Zac Guilgford scored his third try.
This weekend's Bay of Plenty match now becomes the key match of the season.